PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort accepting applications

Photo from PBS Kids

 

Join the PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort

The PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort blends professional development, hands-on learning, collaboration, and program implementation into one engaging series for Wisconsin public library and school library staff. 

Apply by September 1, 2026 - spots are limited!

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Why join?

• EXPLORE ready-to-use, research-backed educational multimedia resources that:

• Celebrate the process of learning and a love of reading.

• Support early literacy, social-emotional learning, problem solving,
  and local learning connections.

• BUILD media literacy skills for infusing resources that support children in learning how to think, rather than what to think.

• CULTIVATE relationships with colleagues across Wisconsin and beyond.

“This cohort is a wealth of information – the different points of views and programming ideas were so wonderful. PBS is an amazing resource.” 

– Past cohort member

What’s required?

• ATTEND:

• One in-person workshop at the Fitchburg Public Library on Monday, Sept. 28, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

• Three 90-minute virtual workshops (October 12, November 2, November 16) to explore resources and connect with library colleagues.

• A virtual celebration (December 7) where we get to learn about each cohort member’s awesome programs!

• PLAN and IMPLEMENT at least one youth-focused program that incorporates PBS resources.  (See previous playshops from La Crosse or Richland Center.)

• COLLECT DATA on program impact, such as number of attendees, photos and testimonials.

• SHARE your thoughts, feedback, and cohort activities via short surveys.

Interested in the Cohort?

Complete the application form by September 1, 2026.
Staff from libraries that have participated in the past are welcome to apply. 

All applicants will be contacted by September 7, 2026. 

Cohort members will be eligible to receive a $150 stipend for participating.

We strive to serve all areas of our state. Rural libraries and libraries that serve diverse communities are encouraged to apply. If there are any accommodations you need to be able to participate, please let us know.

Contact Jami Hoekstra Collins, PBS Wisconsin Education Engagement Specialist, with any questions at jami.hoekstra@pbswisconsin.org.

Tips and Info from DPI's April 9, 2026 Youth Services Newsletter

 Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is an email newsletter chockfull of great resources we've come to rely on. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list!

Here is the April 9, 2026 edition:

Weekly Resources & Reminders

 

Hello All,

Reimagining Information Literacy: A National Forum  Empowering Educators, Librarians, and Learners for a Knowledge-Driven Future. Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reimagining Information Literacy is an opportunity for librarians, educators, and researchers to gather to reflect on the importance of information literacy. Variously understood as digital, visual, media, textual, and/or technological literacy, this forum approaches information literacy as an umbrella that is inclusive of all types. Register for free.   WiLSWorld Shorts WiLS is inviting you to attend a very special WiLSWorld Shorts, featuring Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director of I’m Your Neighbor Books, on Friday, April 17th at 1:00 pm CT! In this time of unbelonging for our Immigrant and New Generation communities, how do we build belonging for all of our communities? The nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books utilizes SEL tenets and the immigrant characters in K-12 books to help readers explore their place in the world and their responsibility for making this nation less “unkind.” Including recommendations for books that address detention, deportation, and the healing power of families, Executive Director Kirsten Cappy will share the free and grant-supported resources I’m Your Neighbor Books offers. With books in our hands, this nonprofit feels we can find a way to “be more human.” Register for the webinar. Can't attend live? Register to receive a link to the recording. For questions, please email us at coop@wils.org  PBS Wisconsin Education: A Love of Learning Workshop Invitation  Please join your colleagues from library systems in central WI at PBS Wisconsin's A Love of Learning workshop on May 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:15 p.m., at the Portage County Public Library in Stevens Point. If you work in or with a public library or library system in Wisconsin in a role serving learners in grades 3-12 (ages 8-18+), we would love for you to join us for this workshop + meet-up to connect with colleagues and learn about free multimedia resources you can use.

Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only. Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Explore all PBS Wisconsin Education has to offer!

Did you know PBS Wisconsin Education has a digital newsletter? Stay up to date on all the resources they offer and see what ideas you can incorporate into your programming!

This is their most recent edition:

Infuse More Perspectives Dear educators, When you include diverse historical perspectives in what you're teaching, you open students' minds to new ideas and help them connect learning to their lives. Enrich your curriculum with standards-aligned resources like:  A new episode of The Look Back on Indigenous copperworking traditions A lesson about the experiences of Black patriots during the Revolutionary War Activities to explore the impacts of historical Black Americans Then, celebrate Wisconsin students competing in the Madison Symphony Orchestra's Bolz Young Artist Competition. Finally, don't forget to register for the America at 250 Educator Summit. Spaces are filling up! Happy exploring!   Your partner in education, Tawny Morrison, Education Marketing Specialist     Indigenous copper The western Great Lakes are home to one of the world's oldest copperworking traditions! Join Taylor and Kacie as they learn from experts around the state about why copper was used starting thousands of years ago and what it can tell us about the lifestyles and traditions of the area's cultures. (Grades 4-9)     Black Americans and the Patriot cause Explore the life and legacy of James Forten to better understand why he (and other Black Americans) chose to support the Patriot cause during the American Revolution with this lesson and media clips from Ken Burns in the Classroom. (Grades 6-12)     Learn about Black leaders Introduce learners to historical figures like Zora Neale Hurston and James Washington Carver with this collection of mini biographies and activities from Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. Available in English and Spanish. (Grades 1-2)     Wisconsin-made music Watch four musicians perform with the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte at 7 p.m. March 17 on PBS Wisconsin. Then, bring the spirit of the symphony to your classroom with performances from musicians like SistaStrings in Re/Sound: Songs of Wisconsin. (Grades 4-8)     Behind the scenes with PBS Wisconsin Education Garden & Green Living Expo Producer Kylie Compe and Executive Producer Ryan Hendricks joined Field Notes on Climate host Ami Eckard-Lee and entomology professors Claudio Gratton and James Crall at the PBS Wisconsin Garden and Green Living Expo to share a sneak peek of the new series and share tips for making pollinator-friendly spaces at home.         Visit Our Events Page   Subscribe to This Newsletter   PBS Wisconsin Education creates and curates free-to-use, standards-aligned, Wisconsin-focused educational media for grades PreK-12, including videos, games, interactive content, and educator guides.